O’Donnell calls on Spartans to use derby win as springboard

MIDFIELDER JJ O’Donnell has called on Blyth Spartans to use their recent North East derby wins as a catalyst for an improve second half of the season.

Terry Mitchell’s side were second from bottom in the National League North ahead of a home double header against local rivals Spennymoor Town and Gateshead.

However, a 3-1 win against the Moors was quickly followed up by a hard-earned 2-1 win against the Heed as Spartans gave themselves a six-point buffer to the relegation zone.

All focus now switches towards Saturday’s trip to face a Curzon Ashton side sat just three points shy of the play-off places.

O’Donnell has challenged his team-mates to use their unexpected festive double as a springboard to climb the table - starting with a win at the Tameside Stadium.

He told the Chronicle: “Six points from Gateshead and Spennymoor, two local derbies against two very strong sides is a massive boost for us. We needed that and now it’s about carrying that on.”

Spennymoor Town will have a new face in their squad for Saturday’s home game with Guiseley after Stockport County youngster Ethan Pye joined the club on loan.

The 18-year-old defender moves to the Brewery Field on a three-month youth loan and could be handed a first appearance against the Lions.

After completing the signing, Moors joint-manager Anthony Johnson told the club website: “Ethan is a player we’ve been aware of for a while since we played Stockport County in a County Cup game a couple of months ago.”

Darlington have confirmed top goalscorer Luke Charman will miss Saturday’s visit to Farsley Celtic after an appeal against the red card he received in the Boxing Day draw with Spennymoor was unsuccessful.

The former Newcastle United academy striker was shown a straight red card after a coming together with Moors defender James Curtis - but the Quakers appealed that the referee had made a clear and obvious error.

The club confirmed the appeal failure on their website.